A group of travellers has left an encampment in Whitley, reportedly leaving behind human excrement, after police issued a notice.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) officers issued a section 61 notice yesterday which meant the group had to leave John Rabson Recreation Ground by 10am yesterday (Tuesday, June 16).

The group has now left the park and the council is making arrangements for the site to be cleaned.

A spokesman for the council said: “Following a disappointing court hearing last week where Reading magistrates delayed the case until June 30, police colleagues issued a section 61 notice yesterday which meant the group had to leave Rabson Rec by 10am on Tuesday.

“We understand the group has now left and the council is arranging for the site to be cleaned.”

Councillor Ashley Pearce explained on twitter how a hearing last week to evict the travellers was adjourned until June 30.

The police told the community it would review its options if there were more problems over the weekend.

Due to receiving “a number of calls and complaints” over the weekend, the police issued a section 61 notice yesterday, requiring the group to leave.

The travellers set up the encampment by Northumberland Avenue at the end of May.

Pictures from early June showed more than four caravans and vehicles at the site.

David Soper, responding to Cllr Pearce on Twitter, said: “Glad to see travellers have gone from Rabsons this morning.

“Thank you Ashley and others at RBC for persevering with this. Still cannot believe that the courts would have let this go on for at least another two weeks.

“The park has gas cylinders, washing machines and much more left behind, whilst Cowsey has large items, broken glass and human excrement all over the place.

“Hope, with sympathy to workers, that all will be dealt with. No one would mind if they didn’t disrupt and cause a health hazard to the community.”

Police have discretionary section 61 powers to remove unauthorised encampments, which they decide based on guidance such as whether there is a danger to life or disruption to the local economy.